No case of coronavirus has been found among the 17 Chinese crew who entered Bangladesh through Chittagong port.
According to the shipping agent, Uni Harvest, which sailed under the flag of Panama, arrived at the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port on February 4, and reached Sitakunda for dismantling purposes on Sunday.
Miltot Roy, Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) told Dhaka Tribune that the ship sailed from China on January 20, and two weeks have already gone by.
“However, no Chinese crew has shown any symptom of coronavirus. So, there is no bar for them to leave the country,” said the UNO.
Dr Mothar Hossain, port health officer of Chittagong Port told Dhaka Tribune on Monday that they screened all the 17 Chinese crew who tested negative for coronavirus.
“We have completed the screening process around 4-5 days ago. No vessel is allowed in without coronavirus screening. From January 19 till now, we have screened six vessels that arrived at Chittagong Port via China," said the health official.
"However, none was found to be infected with coronavirus. Uni Harvest ship had 17 Chinese crew onboard. We have given clearance as they tested negative,” he added.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, Chittagong civil surgeon said: “The incubation period for coronavirus is 14 days. If any suspected individual does not show any symptom or sign of the virus, we can assume the person is safe.
"I have asked the Upazila administration and health officials concerned to complete all necessary procedures regarding the vessel.”
Rafiqul Islam, proprietor of RS Shipping Agencies, told Dhaka Tribune that all necessary screening were duly completed.
“The screening of the Chinese crew was done on February 5. However, no cases of coronavirus were found,” the shipping agent said.
“We have applied to all respective agencies. The Chinese crew are now staying inside the vessel brought in for dismantlement. They will return home after obtaining permission from the respective agencies including immigration authorities,” said the shipping agent.